Morning journal and courier., 1887-10-03

hence in that way you become interested in the work of the order.
 One of the principles of the order is to es- tablish at the stations where the conductors lay off while away from home places where they may have reading and other things to educate them and keep them away from the evils which tempt them. Like every society, we get those who are not worthy into our ranks. But we are doing our best to bring them to their senses and put them on the right track. Since have been at the head of the order have been given an opportuni- ty to study human nature and I am led to believe that as far as temperance goes we can excel the record of any other organiza- tien of a likssnature. The temperanceques tion is aR great one and of interest to every body, As I have said to the members of the order, it is not safe for you to touch it; it is not safe for you to to handle it. There is thatsin itiwhich will destroy your happiness. The lesspnaRf our division room shows that nearly every econductor has around him a family, and so much of the time is he away on duty that in many cases it can be said that he has hardly time to get acquainted with his family. The conductors live with 8 rush. They are here to-day, away to-mor- row. While most people are counting the hours and days, the conductors time goes so fast that he hasn't time to tell whether & day or week has gone by. The days are whirled rapidly away, and this is the reason that at the end of ten years we find some of their families destitute. It is now one of the principles of the order for a member to protect and care for his family first. When member dies or is permanently disabled his family receives $2, 300. Within the last year $250, 900 has been expended in this way. I will leave it to you to decide whether or not you are interested in this work. We believe that the order has taken another advance on the labor question. On the 1st of August we procured from the secretary of the State of Ohio charter which makes the order regular chartered organization. So to-day the order stands on the same princi ples as any business concern. If legislation could be had to make all labor organizations regularly chartered bodies so that strikes and destruction to property be done away with and the destroyers held accountable to the law, it would be much better. These are advanced views, but believe every fair minded and candid man here will endorse them.
 This, my friends, is our work. The con ductors of your city are working to accom- plish that which I'have told you. I com mend them to your kind consideration. At the conclusion of MT. Wheatons re- marks he was vociferously applauded. Pro- lessor Soltau rendered 8 selection on the concertina.
 President Charles P. Clark of the New York, New Haven and Hartford road was in troduced by Chairman Pardee as a man who was held in the highest esteem and respect by railroad men and operatives. President Clark was greeted with tempest of applause as he stepped in front of the au- dience. He said: I was invited here to ex- tend the right hand of fellowship. The req son for this must have been that my friend Sperry of the Derby has resigned and I am the only president that could be found in the neighborhood. Uaughter.)
 Turning to the conductors on the platform Prnsidant Clark aYOrasaa6 hja sym with them and told them that each and every one while on his train represented the corporation which employed them, it's dignity and its honor.
 Resuming he said: Some time ago spoke to one of my superintendents of the necessity of getting good looking young fellows as brakemen who by their industry, energy and perseverance might one day become conduct ors. Someone else must have thought of this before as l now see seated here fine, handsome looking body of men. (Applause.) )
 The general public has no idea of the great responsibility resting upon the shoulders of railroad men in their sleeping and waking hours. Their continuous thought is in order that you may safely travel. The respon- sibi1ity for your safety well nigh weighs us down.
 President Clark in closing made few fit ting and appropriate remarks the occa- sion, and as he left the stage was greeted by loud and prolonged burst of applause.
 E. Fl. Belmer, of Illinois. was introduced to the audience and elicited applause by his manner of speech, which was of the dry and witty kind likely to cause laughter on all occasions. He first told how he resided in Connecticut at one time in his early youth and was kept by man with whom he would have stayed much longer but for himself. He wooed and won girl who resided in New Canaan. During his woeing he wrote some poetry, ffty-six verses in all. He asked his sweetheart if she would like to hear it one night. She assented. At the conclusion of the last verse he was reminded of the show pictures seen in store windows of ''Wide Awake" and "Fast Asleep" He was wide awake, but his sweetheart was fast asleep.
 Laughter.l
 f'I was born in the same county in Illinois with Jay Gould. While I manipulate the brakes he manipuistes the stocks"
 MT. Belner read 8 poem which elicited marked approval from the audience.
 The closing address was made by the Hon. John H. Leeds, who was introduced by Chairman Pardee as an honored citizen and 8 man who had travelled extensively and had abundant opportunities of seeing railroad men as they are. The speaker made some very interesting remarks about railroad men and the arduous and responsible duties they are called upon to perform.
 He said There is no poetry or romance in the railroad attache, not like the sailor who follows the sea, which is full of TO- nance and poetry. The railroad mans life is fiat and practical.
 At the close of his remarks he was greeted with loud and prolonged applause.
 Thomas orchestra furnished excellent music throughout the evening.
 Among the audience were many we'll known New Haven citizens. A few of those noticed were Mayor York, Judge Henry E. Pardee, Julius Twiss, Colonel Tolles, George M. Grant, Mayor Lewis, Prof. Brewer. Senator Graham, Superintendent O. M. Shep- ard, Colonel Hayward of the railroad com- missioners, Fire Commissioner Luther E. Jerome, J. N. States, general ticket agent of the Consolidated road, Albert Ostrand, sec- retary and treasurer of the order, 0. T. Driscoll, Clark Peck, exCouncilman Wheeler.